After climbing the easiest routes on Rainier, we wanted to climb something a little more challenging. So we decided to try the Kautz Glacier.
We crossed the Nisqually Glacier, then we went up a gully called "The Fan." It is full of rocks that break loose each day as it warms up.
We headed up the Wilson Glacier and found a great camp site just below the Turtle Snowfield. The rock wall would serve as a windbreak and there was running water close at hand. Unlike Camp Muir, we did not have 99 people camping right beside us. Mt. Adams in the background.
Jonathan in the kitchen area.
The main challenge of the Kautz Glacier route is a short section of 45 degree ice.
The shadow of Rainier just after sunrise. If you want to get the most out a sunrise, you need to be above 11,000' in elevation!
Jonathan finishing the fun part of the route.
Dave just above the icy section.
One of several large crevasses on the upper mountain.
Dave and Jonathan on the summit. The upper mountain was really windy and covered by a cloud cap.
Doug (holding onto his hood) and Jonathan. We took pictures and headed right back down.
Jonathan found a hidden crevasse on the way down!
Here are 3 tired and hungry climbers just a couple of hours from the car and some real food. Jonathan was able to summit an intermediate route for his first attempt on Rainier! It was fun to climb something new and challenging in this awesome part of creation.
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